Washington’s plastic bag ban to take effect after over a year of delays

After being delayed by the pandemic, Washington state’s plastic bag ban is now cleared to take effect on Oct. 1, 2021.

Snohomish Lions Club reuses plastic bags for community benches

Single-use plastic bags that are not compostable — like what you see at grocery stores — will be banned statewide. Shoppers will, however, still be allowed to use single-use produce bags.

The state Department of Ecology’s Shannon Jones says businesses that want to use paper or thick, reusable plastic bags are required to charge customers 8 cents per bag. Those bags must also contain at least 40% recycled materials.

“Having a consistent, statewide policy makes it much easier for businesses, especially those with multiple locations,” Jones said.

The new law aims to reduce marine plastic pollution, litter, and waste, and to reduce contamination in commingled recycling and compost systems. Additionally, it promotes reusable and recycled content and supports the recycled paper manufacturing industry.

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A proclamation from Gov. Inslee delayed the implementation of SB 5323, which passed the Legislature in 2020. The bill established a statewide prohibition on retailers’ issuance of single-use plastic bags. The delay was “necessary,” says an email from the governor’s office, “due to supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The governor’s proclamation expires at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2021. After that, the plastic bag ban as passed by the Legislature will go into effect.

The ban was originally set to start in January 2021. A number of cities in Washington, including Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma, have previously enacted plastic bag bans.

Learn more about Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban here.